How to Get Rid of Dog Gland Smell: Understanding and Solving Your Pet's Most Pungent Problem

Walking into a room and catching that unmistakable whiff—metallic, fishy, and utterly overwhelming—marks a moment every dog owner dreads. That distinctive anal gland odor has a way of announcing itself with zero subtlety, turning your beloved companion into a four-legged stink bomb. It's the kind of smell that makes visitors wrinkle their noses and has you frantically opening windows in the dead of winter.

I've spent years working with dogs, and let me tell you, anal gland issues are probably the least glamorous part of pet ownership. But they're also incredibly common, affecting dogs of all sizes, though smaller breeds seem to draw the short straw more often. The thing is, most people don't even know their dogs have these glands until something goes wrong.

Understanding the Source of That Awful Smell

Located on either side of your dog's anus, at roughly the 4 and 8 o'clock positions, these small sacs produce a substance that's essentially your dog's personal calling card. In the wild, this secretion helps with territory marking and communication. Domesticated dogs still have these glands, but they often struggle to express them naturally.

When everything works properly, these glands empty during normal bowel movements. The pressure from passing stool squeezes the glands, releasing their contents. But here's where modern dog life throws a wrench in nature's design—many of our pampered pooches eat soft foods, don't get enough fiber, or have anatomical quirks that prevent proper expression.

The smell itself comes from the secretion, which contains volatile fatty acids and other compounds. When these glands become impacted or infected, the odor intensifies dramatically. Sometimes you'll notice your dog scooting across the carpet (and no, they're not trying to clean your floors), licking excessively at their rear end, or leaving mysterious brown spots on your furniture.

Immediate Solutions for That Lingering Odor

First things first—if your dog has already "leaked" or expressed their glands inappropriately, you need to tackle the smell that's now permeating your home. Regular household cleaners won't cut it here. The oils in anal gland secretions are stubborn and require specific approaches.

For fabric surfaces, I've found that an enzyme cleaner designed for pet odors works wonders. These cleaners contain bacteria that actually eat the organic compounds causing the smell. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for hard surfaces, adding a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar neutralizes the odor while the soap helps break down the oily residue.

Your dog needs attention too. A thorough bath with a degreasing shampoo—Dawn dish soap works in a pinch—followed by a regular dog shampoo can help eliminate the smell from their fur. Pay special attention to the rear area, but be gentle. If the glands are already irritated, rough handling will only make things worse.

Some folks swear by adding a tablespoon of baking soda to the bathwater. I've tried this myself, and while it doesn't work miracles, it does seem to help neutralize odors. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly—nobody wants a crusty, baking-soda-covered pup.

The Manual Expression Debate

Here's where opinions diverge sharply in the dog world. Some groomers and vets recommend regular manual expression of the anal glands, while others argue this creates dependency and weakens the muscles that should naturally express them.

If you're brave enough to attempt manual expression at home (and honestly, I salute you if you are), you'll need gloves, paper towels, and preferably someone to help hold your dog. The technique involves gently squeezing the glands from the outside or, for internal expression, inserting a finger into the rectum. Yeah, it's exactly as pleasant as it sounds.

Most people opt to have their groomer or vet handle this task, which typically costs between $20-40. Some dogs need this done monthly, while others can go their entire lives without manual expression. It really depends on the individual dog and their anatomy.

I've noticed that dogs who start getting regular expressions often seem to need them more frequently over time. It's like their bodies forget how to do it naturally. That's why I lean toward addressing the root cause rather than treating the symptom.

Dietary Changes That Make a Real Difference

After years of dealing with stinky dogs, I'm convinced that diet plays a massive role in anal gland health. The modern dog diet, full of processed foods and lacking in fiber, contributes significantly to gland problems.

Adding fiber to your dog's diet can work wonders. Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling—learned that the hard way) is a popular choice. Start with a teaspoon for small dogs or a tablespoon for larger breeds, mixed into their regular food. The fiber helps create bulkier stools that naturally express the glands during defecation.

Some dogs benefit from adding ground flaxseed or psyllium husk to their meals. Sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots also provide beneficial fiber. I once had a client whose dog's chronic gland issues completely resolved after switching to a raw diet with ground bone content. The firmer stools did the trick.

Probiotics deserve a mention here too. A healthy gut microbiome contributes to proper digestion and stool formation. Look for dog-specific probiotics or add a spoonful of plain yogurt to their meals.

When Professional Intervention Becomes Necessary

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, those glands just won't cooperate. Chronic impaction can lead to infection, abscesses, and even rupture—trust me, you don't want to deal with a ruptured anal gland. The smell of infected gland material makes regular gland odor seem like roses in comparison.

Signs that warrant a vet visit include excessive scooting that doesn't resolve after expression, swelling around the anus, blood in the secretions, or your dog showing signs of pain when defecating. Infections require antibiotics, and severe cases might need surgical intervention.

Some dogs have anatomically narrow ducts or glands positioned in ways that prevent natural expression. In these cases, your vet might recommend surgical removal of the glands, called an anal sacculectomy. It's a last resort, but for dogs with chronic issues, it can dramatically improve their quality of life.

I knew a Cocker Spaniel named Buddy who had his glands removed after years of monthly expressions and multiple infections. His owner told me it was the best decision they ever made—no more smell, no more vet visits for expressions, no more discomfort for Buddy.

Prevention Strategies and Long-term Management

The best approach to anal gland smell is preventing problems before they start. Regular exercise helps in ways you might not expect—the muscle movement during running and playing can help express the glands naturally. Those daily walks aren't just good for your dog's waistline.

Weight management matters too. Overweight dogs often have more gland issues, possibly due to reduced muscle tone or the way excess weight affects their anatomy. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight benefits their overall health, not just their rear end.

Consider having your groomer check the glands during regular grooming appointments. They can often tell if the glands feel full before they become a problem. This preventive approach beats dealing with the aftermath of an unexpected expression on your couch.

Some dogs benefit from supplements designed to support anal gland health. These usually contain fiber, probiotics, and sometimes pumpkin seed extract. While not a magic bullet, they can be helpful as part of an overall management strategy.

Living with a Gland-Prone Dog

If you have a dog with chronic gland issues, you learn to adapt. Keep enzyme cleaner on hand. Learn to recognize the signs of full glands—that particular way they sit, the subtle smell that precedes a full expression. Some owners keep "gland towels" in strategic locations for quick cleanup.

I've found that dogs with gland issues often do better with consistent routines. Regular meal times lead to regular bowel movements, which helps with natural expression. Stress can also affect gland function, so maintaining a calm environment helps.

The silver lining? Dealing with anal gland issues makes you a more attentive pet owner. You become attuned to subtle changes in your dog's behavior and health. Plus, nothing else in dog ownership seems quite as daunting after you've mastered gland management.

Remember, while anal gland smell is unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing (especially when it happens during a dinner party), it's a manageable issue. With the right approach—whether that's dietary changes, regular maintenance, or medical intervention—you can minimize or eliminate this stinky problem. Your nose, your furniture, and most importantly, your dog will thank you for taking action.

Authoritative Sources:

Ackerman, Lowell. Canine and Feline Gastroenterology. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2021.

Coates, Jennifer. "Anal Sac Disease in Dogs." VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anal-sac-disease-in-dogs.

Eldredge, Debra M., et al. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook. 4th ed., Howell Book House, 2007.

Foster and Smith Educational Staff. "Anal Sac Problems in Dogs." PetEducation.com, Drs. Foster and Smith, Inc., 2023.

Ward, Ernest. "Anal Gland Expression in Dogs." American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/anal-gland-expression.